Sheikha Moza inaugurates new paediatric HSCT ward at Sidra Medicine
DOHA: Chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser has officially inaugurated the new paediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) ward at Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation entity. The new ward is dedicated to treating children with blood disorders, immune system diseases, and genetic conditions.
During the visit, Sheikha Moza toured the facility, engaged with clinical teams, and received an overview of the HSCT program's role in advancing care and stem cell and gene therapies for children in Qatar and the region. Her Highness was accompanied by Minister of Public Health HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim bin Saad Al Mahmoud, members of Sidra Medicine's Board of Directors and senior leadership, including Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer and Prof. Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer.
The HSCT ward is a core part of Sidra Medicine's HSCT Program, using curative therapies to provide life-saving care and treatment for children with a range of blood diseases and cancers. This includes malignant and non-malignant conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders.
HSCT also known as bone marrow transplant, replaces diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the patient (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Dr Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, CEO of Sidra Medicine, said: "The opening of our new pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Ward, the first of its kind in the country, marks a major step in expanding access to life-saving care for children in Qatar and the region. As the HSCT program grows, it will play a vital role in reducing the need for outbound referrals and in positioning Qatar as a center of excellence for pediatric cell and gene therapies. This is about building sustainable, high-quality care close to home for our patients and their families."
Prof Ibrahim Janahi, Chief Medical Officer at Sidra Medicine, said: "The launch of the HSCT Ward reflects our commitment to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. It strengthens the foundation of a knowledge-based economy by building national expertise in precision and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Qatar can access the best possible treatment, close to home and grounded in clinical excellence."
Managed by the Hematology and Oncology Division at Sidra Medicine, the new ward is designed exclusively for pediatric patients under the age of 18. It is divided into two main sections - one section for children undergoing HSCT and the other for patients with complex hematology-oncology diagnoses such as cancer, that require intensive chemotherapy and inpatient care.
With an initial capacity of 20 beds, the new pediatric HSCT ward integrates cutting-edge infrastructure, including high-level isolation facilities that meet international infection control standards. It is scheduled to receive patients for autologous transplants in late June of 2025 with preparations underway to care for inpatient children who will undergo allogeneic transplants, at a later stage.
Dr Ayman Saleh, Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sidra Medicine said: "Our HSCT program brings together key specialties to deliver advanced and curative care for children with complex conditions. With four autologous procedures successfully completed and plans underway to offer allogeneic transplants in the near future, we are building a strong foundation for pediatric cellular therapy in Qatar. This service is a testament to the pioneering and family-centered care and cure approach that we offer to all our patients."
In addition to treating patients with various blood diseases and cancers, the HSCT program at Sidra Medicine is the core part of its precision medicine strategy to facilitate genomic research programs for pediatric autoimmune disorders, genetic and rare diseases.
Sidra Medicine's HSCT program is further enhanced by a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-qualified laboratory team operating under the Advanced Cell Therapy Core (ACTC). The ACTC manages the processing and cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem cells and is currently working toward Sidra Medicine's qualification as a treatment center for Casgevy, a gene therapy for thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Qatar Tribune
an hour ago
- Qatar Tribune
Municipality ministry opens renovated Dahl Al Hamam Park
DOHA: The Ministry of Municipality has opened Dahl Al Hamam Park, one of the public parks under the jurisdiction of Doha Municipality, following the completion of its full renovation and redevelopment in coordination with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), in accordance with the highest standards. The reopening of the park follows a comprehensive redevelopment aimed at strengthening green infrastructure and enhancing service and recreational facilities. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Municipality's 2024-2030 strategy and aligns with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to expand green spaces, improve quality of life, and provide a sustainable and healthy environment for citizens and residents. Assistant Undersecretary for Public Services Affairs Eng Abdullah Ahmed Al Karani said on this occasion that the reopening of Dahl Al Hamam Park reflects the ministry's commitment to developing public facilities and enhancing their appeal. He noted that this aligns with the country's urban development needs and environmental sustainability principles. He noted that the project falls within a comprehensive plan aimed at improving public service facilities across the country and strengthening environmental infrastructure in Qatari cities by increasing green coverage. For his part, Director of the Public Parks Department Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sada said that Dahl Al Hamam Park represents a modern model of public parks, having been redeveloped to meet the needs of visitors from various segments of society. He pointed out the use of native plants suited to Qatar's climate, along with the implementation of smart irrigation systems that help conserve water. He added that the ministry continues to implement similar projects aimed at enhancing quality of life and achieving environmental balance in urban areas. The park features a wide range of amenities, including four children's play areas, a tiered outdoor theater that accommodates around 900 seats, a celebration area, and a multi-purpose hall for community events. It also includes a 390-meter running track, three fitness zones, a basketball court, three food and beverage kiosks, a full-service cafe, and 220 parking spaces. Additional features include separate prayer areas for men and women, an administrative building for operations and maintenance supervision, facilities for people with disabilities to ensure ease of access and mobility, family seating areas, modern restrooms, a plant irrigation tank, an electricity station, and three solar-powered charging units, making it an ideal destination for recreation and leisure.
Qatar Tribune
20 hours ago
- Qatar Tribune
Avoid using lights near beaches at night during turtle nesting season: MoECC
DOHA: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has appealed to the people to avoid using lights near the beaches at night during the turtle nesting season. These lights can disorient young turtles and cause them to lose their way to the sea, exposing them to the risks of predation or death, the ministry said in a social media post. MoECC officially launched the 2025 Sea Turtle Nesting Season in April at Fuwairit Beach in the presence of Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie. This initiative came as part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to protect Qatar's wildlife and preserve biodiversity - particularly endangered species such as the hawksbill sea turtle. The national project, now in its third decade and implemented in collaboration with Qatar University, QatarEnergy, and several national entities, has resulted in the successful release of tens of thousands of hatchlings into their natural habitat - significantly contributing to the restoration of Qatar's marine life. This approach aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of national priorities. Hawksbill turtles return annually to Qatar's northern beaches - including Fuwairit, Ras Laffan, Al Ghariyah, and Al Huwailah - as well as several islands such as Umm Tais, Ras Rakan, Shura'awa, and Halul. The nesting season runs from early April to late June, with hatchlings emerging about two months after eggs are laid.
Qatar Tribune
a day ago
- Qatar Tribune
MoM unveils newly-renovated Dahl Al Hamam Park
QNA Doha The Ministry of Municipality on Thursday inaugurated Dahl Al Hamam Park, one of the public parks under the jurisdiction of Doha Municipality, following the completion of its full renovation and redevelopment in coordination with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), in accordance with the highest standards. The reopening of the park follows a comprehensive redevelopment aimed at strengthening green infrastructure and enhancing service and recreational facilities. This initiative is part of the Ministry of Municipality's 2024-2030 strategy and aligns with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to expand green spaces, improve quality of life, and provide a sustainable and healthy environment for citizens and residents. Assistant Undersecretary for Public Services Affairs Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Karani said on this occasion that the reopening of Dahl Al Hamam Park reflects the ministry's commitment to developing public facilities and enhancing their appeal. He noted that this aligns with the country's urban development needs and environmental sustainability principles. He noted that the project falls within a comprehensive plan aimed at improving public service facilities across the country and strengthening environmental infrastructure in Qatari cities by increasing green coverage. For his part, Director of the Public Parks Department Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sada said that Dahl Al Hamam Park represents a modern model of public parks, having been redeveloped to meet the needs of visitors from various segments of society. He pointed out the use of native plants suited to Qatar's climate, along with the implementation of smart irrigation systems that help conserve water. He added that the ministry continues to implement similar projects aimed at enhancing quality of life and achieving environmental balance in urban areas. The park features a wide range of amenities, including four children's play areas, a tiered outdoor theatre that accommodates around 900 seats, a celebration area, and a multi-purpose hall for community events. It also includes a 390-meter running track, three fitness zones, a basketball court, three food and beverage kiosks, a full-service cafe, and 220 parking spaces. Additional features include separate prayer areas for men and women, an administrative building for operations and maintenance supervision, facilities for people with disabilities to ensure ease of access and mobility, family seating areas, modern restrooms, a plant irrigation tank, an electricity station, and three solar-powered charging units, making it an ideal destination for recreation and leisure.
